Cold pressed is a designation of oil that may be confusing because of different standards in various parts of the world. Cold-pressed oils from the European Union should never exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In the U.S., cold pressed is not standardized and there can be great variations. Depending upon the screw press, minimum temperatures may be required to yield an oil.
In small screw presses, a minimum temperature of approximately 122 degrees Fahrenheit will be necessary to yield oil. The actual temperature may range from 130 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. In larger screw presses, the temperature may range from 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Increases in temperature cause increased chemical reactions in seeds. The reactions double for approximately every 18 degree Fahrenheit increase in heat. Unsaturated fatty acid is likely to engage in undesired chemical configurations. Chemical changes start occurring in the range from 160 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. While temperatures during pressing may have some effects, the lowest possible temperatures will minimize the effects in the screw press.